Manchester United are prepared to activate the €16m release clause in Jorge Salinas’ contract as they assess a move for the Racing left-back, according to Transfer News Live, citing Sport.
The 19-year-old defender has emerged as a transfer target for the Red Devils, who are considering Salinas as an alternative to Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. Manchester United had identified the England international as their preferred option, but a deal is proving difficult because Newcastle United are reluctant to allow the player to leave.
Salinas’ contract with Racing contains a €16m buyout clause, and Manchester United are ready to pay that amount to secure the young defender. The reported willingness to meet the clause would allow the club to avoid a potentially protracted negotiation with Racing.
Barcelona are also continuing to monitor the highly rated full-back. However, the Catalan club believe the asking price is too high, despite Salinas’ growing reputation and his performances in Spain’s Segunda.
The left-back made a significant contribution for Racing last season, providing seven assists in 33 appearances in the competition. His attacking output from defence has helped attract interest from both Manchester United and Barcelona, with the two clubs taking different views of the financial terms involved.
For Manchester United, Salinas has been identified as a possible solution after the club’s difficulty in pursuing Hall. While Hall remains the preferred target, Newcastle United’s unwillingness to sell has encouraged the Red Devils to examine other options in the position.
That has placed Salinas at the centre of the latest transfer interest. Manchester United are now reportedly ready to use the clause written into his contract, while Barcelona continue to consider whether the €16m valuation represents good value.
The proposed move would see Salinas leave Racing after a season in which he featured 33 times and registered seven assists in the Segunda. At 19, he is viewed as a promising long-term option, and his performances have brought him to the attention of two of Europe’s most prominent clubs.
No agreement has been reported with either Manchester United or Barcelona. However, Manchester United’s reported readiness to pay the release clause means Salinas could become a realistic alternative to Hall, whose possible transfer remains complicated by Newcastle United’s position.
